Paralympic Movement’s growth in Brussels

Germany, Oct 8, 2013: The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Honorary Board met on Tuesday (8 October) in Brussels, Belgium, where they were updated on the growth of the Paralympic Movement over the last two years and received further insight into the activities that surrounded the London 2012 Paralympic Games, as well those for future Paralympics.

HRH Princess Astrid, Member of the Royal Family in Belgium, hosted the meeting at the Palais Royal, where members were informed about the IPC’s vision in the lead-up to the Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016 Games, as well as the Agitos Foundation, which is the IPC’s new development arm.

Sir Philip Craven, IPC President, said: “I would like to thank Princess Astrid for hosting the Honorary Board in Brussels. It was a very productive afternoon with all members showing significant interest in the growth of the Paralympic Movement.

“Many of the Honorary Board members attended the London 2012 Paralympic Games and were keen to share their memories of the Games.”

HRH Princess Astrid said: “The London Games certainly gave a tremendous boost to the notion of `inclusion through sports’ for our fellow citizens with a physical disability.

“I believe that this is indeed one of the most important goals of the Paralympic Movement, and I was never more aware of it than when the Belgian Paralympic athletes together with the Olympic athletes were honoured at the Royal Palace by my parents.

“The pride and dignity of the Paralympic athletes who competed in the London Games was a joy to behold and strengthened my resolve to continue to give my full support to the Paralympic Movement.”

Other attendees of the IPC Honorary Board included:

-HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden

-HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands

-HRH Grand Duchess Maria Terea of Luxembourg

-Hassan Ali Bin Ali, Paralympic ambassador from Qatar

The main purpose of the IPC Honorary Board is to allow leaders of society an opportunity to support the vision of the Paralympic Movement and to strive to maintain the issue of sport for persons with an impairment high on the agenda of the global community. Honorary Board Members assist the IPC in creating opportunities for raising awareness and funding, through the member’s network of contacts and sphere of influence. —- IPC